Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 1980. FIRST EDITION. Cloth-backed boards, original dust jacket in near perfect condition with slight rubbing to the spine; overall an excellent copy.

Synopsis

A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel written by John Kennedy Toole, published in 1980, 11 years after the author died by suicide at the age of 31. The book was published through the efforts of writer Walker Percy (who also contributed a revealing foreword) and Toole's mother, Thelma Toole. In 1981, it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, granting posthumous recognition to John Kennedy Toole. The novel has since gained a cult following and is celebrated as a classic of American literature. Set in New Orleans during the 1960s, A Confederacy of Dunces revolves around the eccentric and socially awkward protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. Ignatius is an obese, unemployed, highly educated man who lives with his overbearing mother. The novel follows Ignatius as he navigates various misadventures, often clashing with the world around him due to his pompous intellect and disdain for modern society. Ignatius is a self-proclaimed philosopher and writer who spends most of his time writing in his ever-present journal, "The Journal of a Working Boy," where he criticizes the world's perceived injustices. Ignatius's life takes an unexpected turn when his mother forces him to find a job to contribute to their finances. His misadventures in the working world lead him to cross paths with a colorful cast of characters, including his eccentric employer, a former girlfriend, a politically active barmaid, a black prostitute, and a policeman who becomes obsessed with exposing Ignatius's alleged communist activities. The novel's humor lies in the absurd situations, ironic dialogue, and the juxtaposition of Ignatius's intellectual pretensions with the realities of his daily life. Through Ignatius's escapades, the novel explores themes of societal conformity, alienation, and the clash between traditional values and modernity.

Reviews

On Dec 7 2004, Pazzo Books said:

One of the most built up novels of all time - while it didn't fall flat on its face by any means, the build up ruins it. Extremely funny at times, but impossibly uneven. If no one has ever told you it's the best book ever, give it a try.

(Log in or Create an Account first!)

Details

Bookseller: Rootenberg Rare Books & Manuscripts (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 17229
Title: A Confederacy of Dunces
Author: TOOLE, John Kennedy
Book Condition: Used
Quantity Available: 1
Edition: FIRST EDITION
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press
Place of Publication: Louisiana
Date Published: 1980
Keywords: Literature, pulitzer prize winner, fiction, 20th century, Louisiana, New Orleans, Fiction, Modern, american imprints

Terms of Sale

Rootenberg Rare Books & Manuscripts

30 day return guarantee, with full refund including shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.

About the Seller

Rootenberg Rare Books & Manuscripts

This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.

Biblio member since 2009

Sherman Oaks, California

Ask Seller a Question

About Rootenberg Rare Books & Manuscripts

Founded in 1970, Rootenberg Rare Books has served a large international clientele of collectors as well as private and public institutions in the acquisition of rare books and manuscripts, and in collection development. We are among the leading specialists in the fields of science, medicine, technology and natural history. We also maintain high quality rare books and manuscripts in diverse subjects including travel and exploration, literary classics, economics and philosophy, Americana, and modern first editions, many inscribed. Our expertise and familiarity with these subjects allows us to acquire and house major collections in these fields. We are dedicated to our customer's specific needs, and look forward to developing long term relationships by keeping you informed about significant materials in your areas of interest. Rootenberg Rare Books consists of three generations: grandmother, father and daughter, and is located minutes from West Los Angeles, near UCLA and the Getty, as well as a second location in Durham, North Carolina. We always welcome visitors, though appointments are suggested. We occasionally issue finely printed and illustrated catalogues as well as specialized subject lists, and are constantly adding existing and new material to our website. We exhibit at several national and international book fairs during the year, represent clients at auction and offer appraisal and other professional services. We are always interested in purchasing single items or entire collections, and would be pleased to consider any materials you wish to sell. Special requests and specific wants will be given particular attention. We are always available, via phone, fax or email, to answer questions, search for a specific title, or provide information on our inventory.

Glossary

Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

Jacket: Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps...
First Edition: In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
Rubbing: Abrasion or wear to the surface. Usually used in reference to a book's boards or dust-jacket.